User Manual

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In 2003, Arturia has released a software emulation of the famous modular synthesizers designed
by Bob Moog under the name of Modular V.
However, the sales would rapidly decrease, because the gigantic proportions of modular
units put a damper on the interest of most musicians and also prevents the instrument
from entering most music shops, and therefore from being known. Furthermore, a serious
competitor, ARP, has just arrived on the market.
In the same time, Bob Moog received requests for a more compact instrument that could
be transported more easily, directed more to stage than studio. With the help of an engineer
from Berkeley, Jim Scott, and the advice from numerous musicians he was about to create
another legendary synthesizer: its famous 1971 monosynth…
“Here it is! A compact, moderately priced electronic music synthesizer designed for live
performance.” This is the way this new synthesizer is introduced on the very first
promotional brochure, in the midst of 1971. The monophonic synthesizer required several
months of research and development and 4 prototypes, before leading to the commercial
model. More than 12,000 units were sold until 1981. They were quite far from the 10 modular
units per month that the company produced in the late 60’s.
The very first prototype was called Model A. Three other versions, B, C and D, followed.
This last model is the final and most common incarnation of this synthesizer and the
only one that was put into production in large numbers. The choice of wood rather than
plastic for the cabinet prevailed from the beginning, simply because Robert Moog preferred
to follow the advice of musician friends, rather than drawings coming from its industrial
engineers. The Model D was first introduced at the NAMM convention in June 1971. It was
the company’s first exposure to the music instruments industry - and the industry's first
exposure to synthesizers. The reception is rather cold as, according Robert Moog himself,
“Most dealers didn't know what to make of a musical instrument with words like Oscillator
Bank and Filter printed on the front panel” .
Bob Moog’s synthesizers sales figures -
1967-1971 Courtesy of Roger Luther,
MoogArchives.com
Arturia - User Manual Mini V - History of the original instrument 4